PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – New in theaters this weekend is “Larry Crowne”, about a laid-off middle-aged man going to college. Hollywood is one thing, but this is also reality for a lot of people.

Most schools aren’t going to have Professor Julia Roberts and student Tom Hanks, but Jim Rook, Associate Director of Continuing Studies at La Salle says they have about 800 students in the evening division. Many are juggling work, family and other adult obligations that really complicate a return to academics.

“And that’s usually first, second semester that they begin to orchestrate all of that and know how their life fits around a course or courses,” says Rook. “You see, if they get that right, they then can get all the other skills that go with college, the study skills and the time management.”

But Rook says he stands by wisdom he learned long ago, kids trump classes, and even if you’re not taking math, it may not add up.